Washington, DC (AHN) - The WNBA will have league rights fees for the first time ever after agreeing to a new television contract with ESPN/ABC.

The eight-year deal, announced by the league on Sunday, also includes rights for digital media which will begin in 2009 and run through 2016, the league's 20th season.

Though financial details of the contract were not disclosed, the league's current six-year contract expires at the end of the 2008 season.

With the digital rights firmly in hand, both networks will now have the capability to broadcast live games and other content on digital media, including the Internet and mobile television.

Players are hoping that as the league becomes profitable, that some of the money will trickle down into their salaries. The average WNBA player makes $55,000 a year, which is in stark contrast to the average NBA player's salary, which is $4.9 million.